Folan - Family History & Genealogy Message Board

Folans of Loughaconeera about 1835 onward

1sojurn — 2013-04-22 09:06:22Z

My Grandfather was Joseph Foley who lived in Altrincham Cheshire for all of his married life, but on his death certificat is written, Folan , otherwise Foley, he died in 1955 aged 75 years, my Grandmother was Catherine Gara, who I am sure came from Ballaghadereen in the county of Roscommon, she died 1936 aged 63 years.
I have a copy of my great uncle Thomas Folan's register of baptism, dated 06/04/1875 which states his parents were John Folan and Bridget O'Brien from Loughaconeera, there were I am sure, six or more children born to John and Bridget, some I am aware of , other I am not.
If anyone can shed any light on my Folan Family, It would just be amazing.
Thank you, and best wishes
Brian O'Gara Foley

Folan's of Loughaunbeg, Spiddal, Galway

baya10 — 2013-04-16 18:33:02Z

Hi I am looking for my great-grandmother's family.
Her name was Mary Folan but this changed to Foley when she went to America.
Her father was Martin Folan and her mother's name was Mary Ridge from Connemara.
From Martin and Mary's marriage cert I have found out that Martin's father was called Thomas Folan from Teach mór and Mary's father was called James Ridge from Derrykyle.
She had a sister by the name of Deila/Bridget Folan (born abt. 1886). Delia lived with Mary and her husband according to the 1911 Census.
Her other sisters' names are Ann (Concannon), Kate (Flaherty), Elizabeth (Hernon) and Sarah (Thornton) and she had a brother called Patrick Folan.
She married Edward J Connolly (born abt. 1881 and originally from Spiddal) in Portland in 1906 had one child in the USA and moved back to Connemara. They lived in Barna and owned a store and public house (The Twelve Pins).

Re: long lost folans

baya10 — 2012-12-24 15:24:47Z

My Folan ancestors are also from Inveran.
Thomas Folan was my ggg grandfather. I don't know his wife's name. I only know of one child Martin Folan but I'm sure that he had more siblings.
He married in 1881 Mary Ridge daughter of James Ridge from Derrykyle.
Their children's names were, Mary (1882), Ann (1884), Bridget Delia (1885), Kate (1887), Patrick (1890), Sarah (1896) and Lizzie (1901).
I recently found Martin Folan and his wife Mary's grave. Their children Patrick and Bridget Delia are buried with them.
Does any of this ring a bell?

Re: Bridget Folan

colinfolan — 2012-11-22 21:52:27Z

I too am looking for a Bridget Folan of a 1946 vintage...

Re: Folans of Loughaconeera, Carna, County Galway

mjrjrd — 2012-10-19 17:38:41Z

Dave,
I realize this is an old thread, but hopefully your still out there. i read where you've been to Salt Lake City(were going at the time). That's a trip I would like to do one day.I am wondering if there is a connection between my Folan's of Callowfeenish and yours
Mine are:
In 1901 Census living in Callowfeenish:
Mark Folan age 72
Ann Folan 60
Mark 28
John 22
Ann 16

I have other info and children I have found through the IGI, but before I send you it, I thought I would see if you think there's a connection.
Feel free to contact me @ mjrjrd@yahoo.com
Best Wishes,
Michael Reiner
in New Jersey

Re: Pat Folan m. Mary Cooke 1825 Connemara, Ire

mark11872 — 2012-06-26 19:23:39Z

I picked up your thread from looking for links to Cooke family originating from Connemara in the late 1800's. The family I know of are Colman Cooke and Barbara Cooke (nee Curran) who had a son John Cooke in 1886. John Cooke joined the British Navy and married by Great Grandmother in my home town of Stranraer in 1917. Please contact me on mark@maclean80.freeserve.co.uk if you have any details on the Cooke's from Connemara.

Best Regards

Mark Maclean

Re: Folan from Galway

adalton135 — 2012-06-03 19:40:02Z

Dear Patty
I just came across your post and I can't believe you are the granddaughter of Aunty Chaisson. I am the great granddaughter of Edward McDermott. I'm not sure how much help I could be to you. My mother is Mairin - that is Maureen - eldest child of Anne and Joe you mentioned there. I was just doing a search on the mine explosion and I found your post. my mother and I often talk of Aunty Chaisson and wonder about her story. That is what my grandmother always called her and we were not even sure what her christian name was because we didn't know which sister it was. I am going to call my mother now and tell her I found your post. Best regards Aine Dalton

Re: Folans in Dooyeher

daveriley1 — 2012-02-22 00:16:54Z

Hello James,

I believe I have informatiopn about your Folan family. But it would be easier for me if we communicated via e-mail. Please contact me at daveriley@aol.com

Dave Riley
Portsmouth, Rhode Island
USA

Re: Folan to Foley

TimothyEFichtner — 2011-12-19 08:30:24Z

To any Foleys and Folans out there, I would encourage you to take advantage of the Holiday sale at FTDNA.com and join the Foley Surname DNA Project, which includes many former Folan men. A 37 marker test is $119 through Dec.31st. Currently 39 in the project!

Re: Folan to Foley

guess98224 — 2011-12-19 07:58:42Z

My gg gf, Thomas Martin, was raised by his aunt. Her daughter, Ann Taaffe, married Thomas Folan after they both moved to NJ. On a documents, their name was listed as Foley.

J. William Folan and Ellen Costello

guess98224 — 2011-12-18 23:00:28Z

Looking for any info on Thomas Folan(1840 Galway). His parents were J. William (abt 1820) (not really sure about this) and Ellen Costello (abt 1820). The older Folans did not leave Galway. This may have lived near Connemera.

Thomas emmigrated earlier than his future wife, Ann Taaffe. She went to NJ to be with him. Thomas married Ann Taaffe in 1864 in Keyport, NJ. They may have been first cousins. They at least knew each other in Galway. Ann and Thomas are buried in St. Joe's cemetery in Keyport, NJ.

HOGANS FROM GORUMNA

mcgovcol — 2011-09-20 19:08:11Z

LOOKING 2 TRACE COLMAN HOGAN B 1851 IS IN CENSUS 1901 TERANEA GORUMNA ISLAND GALWAY

FOLANS FROM GORUMNA ISLAND

WWWMCGOVCOL — 2011-07-04 18:19:42Z

LOOKING FOR INFORMATION ON FOLANS FROM GORUMNA ISLAND. WEST GALWAY . MARRIED HOGANS FROM LETTERMOORE.OR TRAWBHAN

Re: Coat of Arms or Family Crest

macanuidhir — 2011-06-23 21:26:53Z

hi my maiden name is folan got a coat of arms some 20 years ago in Ireland..blue and white and redin colour.Motto said 'faithful friend' couldnt locate another coat of arms,

Folans in Dooyeher

jamesjoycect — 2011-03-09 00:20:44Z

I am looking for information on the Folans in Dooyeher. This is some of what I know:

Guide:
Parent=Parent
Child=Spouse

Mary Folan=?
Joe Folan=Bridget Folan
Martin Folan=Kitta Cloherty
Mary Folan=John Joyce John Joyce=Bridie Mangan
Kevin Joyce=Anne Pilkington
James Joyce (Me)

James

Re: trying to find info about my mothers side of the family

jamesjoycect — 2011-03-09 00:08:56Z

Ann Cloherty had a daughter named Kitta Cloherty, who married Martin Folan. They had 13 kids: Mary, Marcus, Mart, Colman, Pat, John, Joe, Cathy, Tess, Margaret, Ann, Tom, and Michael.They lived in Dooyeher.

-James
Weston, CT

Re: Folan from Galway

paattyoneil — 2011-02-14 21:47:57Z

My name is Patty O'Neil originally from Melrose Mass. I am the granddaughter of Mary Josephine McDermott. Her brother Edward was killed in an accident involving a mine( in a barrell) that expoded on the beach in Galway.. with 8 other fishermen in 1917, Mary Folan was his wife. I was wondering if anyone would be related to me on this site. My grandmother moved to the states when she was 16 and married Alexander Chaisson and they lived in Melrose. We are also related to the Faherty's in Barna/Spiddal area, and they use the name O'Fatharta (sp) in Ireland. Anne and Jo have two sons , Martin ( Galway Radio). Patrick and a daughter I think. I met them years ago in the states.We are trying to trace McDermott family roots. Any help ?
thanks a million!!
Patty

Re: Folan to Foley

pfolan222 — 2011-02-04 10:03:24Z

Hi there
Thaks for the reply

Very interesting...I must check that out

Its a small world...my family are from Co Na Ron too, do you know if they are from west , middle or east cor na ron?

Re: Folan to Foley

TimothyEFichtner — 2011-02-04 03:11:27Z

Testing the Y-DNA paternal line, he matches, in a genealogical time frame, 3 Foley, 4 King, and 1 Burke. I understand the first 3 names are common in Galway.

Two Foley only tested at 12 markers, and are full matches, but the third matches my Folan at 62 of 67 markers, along with a Burke. The distance to a common ancestor could be as much as 300 to 500 years! This Foley is known to have been a Folan, the name changed in early 1800's Ireland.

Of the four Kings, the matches are full 12 of 12 for two of them, and 63 of 67 and 60 of 67 for the other two.

My father-in-law's Folans are from Cor Na Ron or Cornarone, west a bit from Spiddal, Co.Galway, in the early to mid-1800's.

See his results at www.YSearch.org user# MBNY3 if interested!

Re: Folan to Foley

pfolan222 — 2011-02-03 23:22:40Z

Hi There

The Folans in ireland all seemed to originate in Co Galway, and they sigend official documents as O'Folan as far back as the 16th century.

Today they are still concentrated in Co Galway, mostly in the city and the Irish speaking gaeltacht where they use the Irish version O Cualain.

For some reason they adopted Foley when they went to America as they seemed to think it was more american or easier to spell for people who had not heard the name Folan before, as it is a relativly unusal name in Ireland.

But its interesting that your father in law's DNA shared characteristics with Foley. How close was it? Was it with mainly American Foley's or Irish Foley's do you know?

Cheers

Re: finding distant family

colinfolan — 2010-12-22 23:17:15Z

I too am looking for a bridget folan born around that time who moved to London in 1960s. Have you made any progress? Please email me at colin_folan@hotmail.com if you have as we might be looking for the same person....

Re: Coat of Arms or Family Crest

pfolan222 — 2010-12-02 21:59:45Z

Hi There
I think that one on wikipedia is the crest for phelan..whish is a completly different name than folan even though its o'faolain in irish.

what does that english coat of arms for folan look like?

where did you find it?

P

Re: Cloherty from Mason Island, Connemara, Galway

stoulson59 — 2010-11-24 01:25:16Z

Glentrasna is just south of Maam Cross, and near the road to Ros Muc.

Re: Cloherty from Mason Island, Connemara, Galway

Margaret_Connelly — 2010-11-23 16:29:02Z

Thanks for your reply. My grandmother was Michael Folan's daughter. She was not a "Connelly" until she married in the U.S.
Where is Glentrasna?

Cloherty from Mason Island, Connemara, Galway

stoulson59 — 2010-11-23 03:55:32Z

I relate to the Cloherty's on Mason Island, specifically the John Cloherty and wife Mary and family, who are there in both 1901 and 1911. Mary (Conneely) was originally from Glentrasna, and is my Great Great Grand Aunt.

Re: finding distant family

guess98224 — 2010-11-13 08:34:54Z

Hi,

Ann Martin Taaffe on my tree married Thomas Folan. I don't know where Thomas F. was from originally, but Ann was from the Dublin area (Louth). They wound up in Galway and came to the US sometime in the mid 1800s.
patty

finding distant family

liamfolan4 — 2010-10-05 18:20:12Z

liam here just wanted to ask if anyone is related to bridget folan born in Dublin, ireland around start of world war 2

finding distant family

liamfolan4 — 2010-10-05 18:14:58Z

liam here just wanted to ask if anyone is related to bridget folan

Re: Folan to Foley

foles63 — 2010-08-12 22:11:42Z

David,

I've had a peek at a few baptismal records for my grandfather's siblings (Archdiocese of Boston) and prior to 1900 they were all (including my grandfather Thomas) baptized as "Folan". However, our family name today is "Foley". My great grandfather Andrew appears on the 1900 US Census as "Foley". I had always thought that they changed the family name shortly after arrival (1884) but it seems I was wrong. I have not seen baptismal records for any of the family after 1900. I know this doesn't help at all but I just thought I'd pass it on. Sorry if I've shared this info with you before. Peace.

Steve Foley

Re: Folan to Foley

TimothyEFichtner — 2010-08-12 06:33:56Z

I've been told that many Folans changed the name to Foley after coming to the US. Maybe it sounded more Irish? My wife's a Folan, her Dad tested his paternal DNA and matches several Foleys at varying degrees of relatedness at Family Tree DNA.

An Irishman told me that Folan and Foley are separate surnames in Ireland. That Foley translated as a type of pirate or robber in ancient days, so most Foley aren't related from a single clan founder like many other Irishmen.

Maybe that source saying Folan and Foley both are O Cualain is simply alluding to the fact that many Foley were once Folan (though obviously many are not).

Tim Fichtner for Marty Folan

Re: Coat of Arms or Family Crest

foles63 — 2010-08-11 19:30:56Z

Hello,

According to Wikipedia, Folan (Irish: Ó Cualáin or Ó Culáin), is an Irish family name. It is most numerous in County Galway and adjoining areas in County Mayo, in Connacht, Ireland. This locality stretching from Galway City to Clifden is where the majority of Folans are still concentrated today. The Gaelic spelling used in the Irish-speaking Gaeltacht of Galway is Ó Cualáin, despite Mac Fualláin and O Fualláin being attributed to it by some Irish surname scholars. Many Irish Emigrants to the USA (like my family) americanised the name as Foley. As far as the family coat of arms, I have only been able to find two. One is the English Folan that you refer to in your query and the other is for O'Folan. I will provide you with the link to the page with the O'Folan crest. I honestly don't know how authoritative it is but here you go:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Folan_arms.jpg

All the best and peace.

Steve Foley

Coat of Arms or Family Crest

vracich11 — 2010-08-03 18:52:03Z

Hello to all,
I am interested in the Folan Coat of Arms or Family Crest. I have done some research and found one but it says the orgin is English. I kow my family comes from Ireland and that Folan is an Irish name as well. Does anyone know the correct Coat of Arms by any chance.
I would really appreciate any help.
Thanks,

Foleys buried in St. Joseph's cemetery in Manchester, NH

grumpytimm — 2010-07-16 02:44:29Z

Found an online list of all burials at St. Joseph's cemetery
in Manchester, New Hampshire (though I believe its actually in Bedford).

http://www.saintjosephcathedralcemetery.org/DeathRegister.ht...

Dave Timmins

Re: John W. Folan

aproc49 — 2010-05-25 10:39:08Z

Hi,

Mary Agnes Ryan, born 03 May 1883 in Brookline, MA, was my grandfather's sister. I have her birth record from the Massachusetts State Archives as well as information on her parents and grandparents.

She married Giuseppe Luigi Sordillo. I've been communicating with someone who must be related to you. You can e-mail me directly at rochetteanne17@gmail.com.
Anne

Re: John W. Folan

psi21286 — 2010-05-21 20:13:34Z

Hi.

I am trying to find information on Mary Agnes Ryan 1883-1947. She was the mother of my grandfather Anthony. Thanks.

Folan to Foley

davidfoleyfamily — 2010-03-27 20:01:21Z

I am a Foley who recently learned that my ancestor Patrick Folan emigrated from Raheen parish co. Galway about 1863. In America he used the name Foley. I'd like to learn more about this name change. I've read what I can find on the Folan web sites like this but there still seem to be a lot of questions about this. For example one has posted that

"The accepted Irish language version of Folan is "Ó Cualáin". This is interstingly also the Irish for Foley"

and another has said

"Both Folan & Foley are O Cualain in Irish."

but others have said

"Actually Folan and Foley are two completly different names....Folan is O'Culain or O'Cualain in irish, wheras Foley is O'foghlu(I think)"

The explanation of the first 2 would be appealing since it would provide an easily understood explanation of this name change but as the 3rd person points out they don't actually appear to be true. Can other people weigh in on this. Can these first 2 statements be discarded as wishful thinking or might there be some truth to them that they have not taken the time to explain or give references to support.

Dave Foley

Re: Folan's in Ireland

Forloveofthefuture — 2009-10-28 01:33:02Z

The Tuam Herald, Saturday, April 3, 1909
Tuam, Co Galway

MAN CUT IN TWO ON RAILWAY

The body of a Claddagh, Galway fisherman named Stephen Folan, who belonged to
the Naval Reserve, was found terribly mangled on Sunday morning on the
railway line between Craughwell and Athenry. He was returning from a course of
naval training at Kinsale, and had £20 in his possession. It is surmised that he
left the train at Craughwell, the next station to Athenry, and finding that it
had departed on his return, he proceeded to walk along the permanent way to
Athenry with a view to catching the Galway train. Apparently he was overtaken
by a subsequent train and killed.

The body was practically cut in two. An ugly feature of the occurrence is
that on discovery of the remains the £20 was missing. Folan suspicious element
in the tragedy is the fact that splashes of blood were found in the carriage
when it arrived in Tuam, and one of the windows was broken. The body
discovered only a short distance outside of Athenry.

Re: Folans in Ireland

roiste — 2009-10-02 22:09:57Z

colleen, pls call me thomas j roach III

847-816-0595
815-814-5239

you have a wonderful family story and i know it all.

Re: Folans in Ireland

irishcurran — 2009-10-02 10:30:19Z

A am so excited. I will call you this weekend. Thank you so much.
Colleen

Re: Folans in Ireland

roiste — 2009-10-01 23:31:44Z

holy smokes colleen ! you have hit the irish jackpot. i am the great grandson to your patrick curran's sister, barbara !

there are two books written on your family, an irish documentary, and all of my research ! you have to call me !

thomas j roach III
847-816-0595 home
815-814-5239 cell if home no. busy

your family has a wonderful, colorful and sad history ! i have pictures of where they lived, and everything else !

i live by chicago. we and your family need to talk !

Re: Folans in Ireland

irishcurran — 2009-10-01 21:32:10Z

I came upon your post last night by chance. My name is Colleen and I have been researching Patrick Curran of St. Paul, Minnesota. He is my great grandfather. I haven't had much luck finding out much before he got to St. Paul. I don't know whether he came over from Ireland alone or if he had siblings. I have a letter his son Bartley wrote that said something about cousins in Chicago. I do see some things in your post that could be related. I have him being born around 1860 but not verified.
He married Mary McDonough in St. Paul in 1884. His children were named:
Mary(Mamie),Patrick, Michael, Beatrice, Bartley, Sarah
He did live with Mamie after is wife died in 1927, he died in 1931.
I've never heard of Graceville, MN. but will have to research that.
It would be great to find a connection. I have hit a wall as far as where in Ireland he came from. I've been to Ireland three times and plan to return this summer and it would be wonderful to visit a certain island where they might have come from.
Colleen

John W. Folan

aproc49 — 2009-08-27 19:05:34Z

Looking for information on John W. Folan, born Verplancks, Cortlandt, Westchester County,New York on June 10, 1853, father John Folan (Galway, Ireland), mother's name unknown. Parents married September 16, 1852 in Verplancks, Cortlandt, New York by Roman Catholic priest John Hackett. Mother died May 25,1860. Father died battle of Spottsylvania Courthouse, May 19, 1864 at age 35. John's guardian after his parents' deaths was Frederick O. Skull. I'm researching the Folans of Ardmore and Ailnabroon, Galway, Ireland. Thanks.

Anne Rochette

Re: Folan (Foley) from Mason Island, Connemara, Galway Connelly from Boston, MA

Margaret_Connelly — 2009-06-28 19:12:42Z

Yes, the house owned by Mr. Geary was built by my great-great-grandfather, Michael Folan, in the early-mid 1800's. My great-grandfather (also Michael Folan)was mentioned in the 1901 Census with his family, which included my grandmother, Mary Folan. The house was on the highest point of the island, and had a barn. The ruins of the barn are there, I believe. I understand that there were 13 families on the island and all the homes were built with stone they quarried on the island.

I was also told that Michael Folan managed to own land on Mason Island when Irish Catholics were not permitted to own land. He found a way around that rule.

There was also a small schoolhouse there, I'm told.

I am told that they attended church on the mainland, weather permitting. Most of the deceased persons from Mason Island were buried in Carna.

The 1901 Census mentions 15 families. My understanding is that all of the families were somehow related and that you basically married into a family to live on the island.

They did not have peat on the island, and my great-grandfather owned a peat bog on the mainland. They would cut it and bring it back to the island in their curraghs (canoe like boat.)

The family names on the 1901 census are:
1.Mrs. Anne Chogherty - spelled Cloherty on 1911 Census
2.Martin Mulkerrin
3. Mrs. Mary Casey
4. Tim Mulkerrin
5. Pat Curran
6. Pat Connelly -spelled Conneely on 1911 Census
7. Michael Folan
8. Mark Connelly -spelled Conneely on 1911 Census
9. John Geary
10. John Clogherty - spelled Cloherty on 1911 Census
11. Mary King
12. Michael Curran
13. Honor King
14. Pat Connelly - spelled Conneely on 1911 Census
15. Pat Curran

By 1911 there were 14 occupied dwellings and 1 vacant one.
Dualey Casey is on the 1911 Census. All the other surnames are in the same grouping as before.

Hope this helps! One day, I'll get out to the island myself.

Regards,
Margaret

Re: Folan (Foley) from Mason Island, Connemara, Galway Connelly from Boston, MA

Margaret_Connelly — 2009-06-25 20:20:36Z

Hi Norah,

Just saw your post... 4 years later :-)...
Sorry, I don't have any matches in my tree for your Barbara Folan.

Regards,

Margaret

Re: Folan (Foley) from Mason Island, Connemara, Galway Connelly from Boston, MA

roiste — 2009-06-17 16:12:39Z

hi, are you the folan family who had a house next to the quay ? tom geary owns it now. i have stayed in it many times and have extensively photographed the island. i am always searching for info on families there. pls email me. thanks, tr

Re: long lost folans

Lyn1951 — 2009-03-20 03:31:31Z

My maiden name is Folan and I am trying to investigate the family tree. James Folan came to Australia in 1854 with his bride from England. I am trying to find more about his birthplace and family.

Lyn

Re: Folans in Ireland

TomWalsh91 — 2009-03-18 22:42:24Z

I just started this line so I don't have much. Mary Geary's mother was Margaret Larkin and her father was Anthony McDonough. Mary's Husband was Peter Geary. Peter's parents were Martin Geary and Nora O'Donnell. I don't have the date they came over that Peter and Mary came over. I have an Ellis Island manifest of a Peter Geary in 1907 but gives no location. We had heard over the years they were all from the islands. It is possible they may have been on one of the other islands in the Carna Moyrus area.

Re: Folans in Ireland

myconnemaras — 2009-03-18 13:52:52Z

hi, geary is a popular name there. there were gearys on mason island. i know of one may be able to help you if you write him. his name is tom geary, carna, co. galway. he bought the folan house on mason and rebuilt it as a rental property. we have stayed there many times. he runs a small bus company in town. when did these people come to america ? i have the census here for 1901, i'll look into it. i see you have mcdonough listed too. were they islanders too ? get back to me please. thanks !

Re: Folans in Ireland

TomWalsh91 — 2009-03-17 23:53:14Z

I am looking for the Geary family from the Islands off Galway, possibly Mweenish or Mason. Peter Geary was born in 1869 and his wife Mary Geary (Larkin). Peter father was named Martin and his wife was Nora Geary (O'Donnell). The Geary's emigrated to Chicago through Pittsburgh.

Re: Mary Folan, Connemara, Ireland-Boston, Mass

daveriley1 — 2009-03-12 19:07:03Z

Chris,

Your old e-address is no longer valid? Please contact me at daveriley1@aol.com. We may be able to exchange information about your Folans - which I believe lived in the townland of Moyrus in the Carna parish of western County Galway.

Dave Riley
Portsmouth, RI